Do you like cherries? Whether you like them sweet or sour, these fruits are the healthiest. Cherries are low in calories and packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other health-promoting ingredients. By consuming them you will obtain vitamins C, A and K as well as potassium, magnesium and calcium. They also provide antioxidants, such as beta-carotene.
1. Rich in antioxidants: Cherries are a powerful source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These cellular guardians of the body slow aging and prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes and obesity.
2. Protection against diabetes: The anti-inflammatory effect of cherries helps keep the body healthy; But in addition, cherries rank lower than many fruits on the glycemic index. This means they do not cause spikes and drops in blood sugar and insulin levels. This makes them protective of diabetes and important for controlling the disease if you already suffer from it.
3. They help you sleep better: Tart cherries, in particular, are one of the few food sources of melatonin, a hormone that helps control sleep-wake cycles. A study of men and women with insomnia found that, compared to a placebo, eight ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning and again one to two hours before bedtime increased sleep time by one hour and 24 minutes.
4. They can relieve arthritis: Several studies have suggested that consuming cherries is beneficial for osteoarthritis sufferers. Regularly incorporating cherries or 100% cherry juice into your meal or snack routine can help decrease joint pain.
5. Help regulate cholesterol: Research has shown that drinking tart cherry juice can help reduce total cholesterol, including the "bad" type, known as LDL. This is essential, since every 1% reduction in cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease by 2%. And high LDL is especially concerning in relation to heart attack risk.
6. They help reduce soreness and post-workout pain: In other words, cherries can make that post-workout pain less intense. They also protect against cellular wear and tear from exercise and help muscle recovery. For this reason, tart cherry juice is popular among professional and competitive athletes. But it can help anyone who exercises regularly.